Modular interlocking furniture system

ABSTRACT

The current invention is a modular and interlocking furniture system that requires no tools and comprises basic elements that are simple to connect to form a desired piece of furniture. The furniture may be may be prefabricated in components that can be sold disassembled in a flat stackable packaging and then assembled at a site. Assembly of the furniture requires no hardware, tooling, or relatively complex instructions. The furniture is an improvement over the prior art as less components may be necessary to assemble a piece of furniture and or the final assembled product is more functionally stable and aesthetically pleasing. An embodiment for the invention includes a chair and desk that essentially consists of a base having at least about three legs that is formed from two interconnecting units and a top that relesably connects to the base and may provide the function of a seat or table surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/736,662 filed Dec. 13, 2012, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

Background

A. Field of Invention

The present invention generally relates to furniture. More particularly, the present invention relates to furniture that comprises fundamental components which may be modular and interlocking

B. Description of the Related Art

It is known that furniture may be prefabricated in components that can be sold disassembled in a flat stackable packaging and then assembled on site. Assembly of the furniture typically requires hardware, tooling, and detailed instructions.

Some furniture manufacturers have attempted to minimize and or remove the tooling and or hardware requirements necessary to assemble furniture, however the products may require skilled corrections, may not be aesthetically or functionally pleasing, may be weighty, and or may not be suitable for mechanically-challenged individuals.

Thus, there is an ongoing need for improved furniture that is not only simple but is aesthetically and functionally stable.

SUMMARY

The current invention is a modular and interlocking furniture system that requires no tools and comprises basic elements that are simple to connect to form a desired piece of furniture which includes a chair, table and or desk and bed. Furniture may be may be prefabricated in components that can be sold disassembled in a flat stackable packaging and then assembled at a site. An embodiment of the system is to provide child-friendly and light weight components so furniture may be assembled and manipulated by a youngster.

In an embodiment, assembly of the furniture requires no hardware, tooling, or relatively complex instructions and may be considered an improvement over the prior art as less components may be necessary to assemble furniture, the assembled furniture is more functionally stable and aesthetically pleasing, and components may be stored away or hung when not in use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, some embodiments of which will be described in the specification and illustrated in accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the furniture system according to the instant invention showing a perspective view of a chair comprising three components;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1 showing how components may assemble;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment in FIG. 1, with the back support of chair removed that provides an alternative embodiment of a chair and or table;

FIG. 5 is an embodiment of the furniture system according to the instant invention showing a perspective view of a chair comprising four components;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an embodiment of the furniture system according to the instant invention showing a perspective view of a table;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an embodiment of the furniture system according to the instant invention showing a perspective view of a desk;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an embodiment of the furniture system according to the instant invention showing a perspective view of a bed; and

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the embodiment as shown in FIG. 12;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention is a modular and interlocking furniture system that requires no tools and comprises basic elements that are simple to connect to form a desired piece of furniture. Circle cut outs as shown may be included in all or most embodiments and may otherwise be of any geometrical shape and shall allow for the components to have less overall weight, and may also be used as a handle and or to hang components when stored away.

FIG. 1 is an embodiment of the instant invention that assembled components form a chair 10 which may releasably interconnect according to FIG. 2, and the assembly of which requires no hardware or tools. The chair essentially consists of a first set of support members that includes a first support 30 and a second support 20, whereby the first support 30 has two legs 31 and 32 and means 70 disposed there between to relesably connect to a second support 20.

The second support 20 has at least one leg 21 and connecting means 65 disposed distal to said leg 21 that is sized and shaped to connect with means 70 such that the second support 20 and the first support 30 join to provide a stable base capable of supporting a top 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, slit 65 is formed on a lower edge of support 20 and has an opening facing in a downward direction. Slit 65 is shaped and sized to connect and or combine with slit 70 which has an opening facing in an upward direction and is disposed about a center of support 30. As shown, the plane of support 20 perpendicularly intersects the plane of support 30. Support 20 comprises a retaining area 60 formed on its upper edge, and is shaped and sized to surround a portion of an outer edge of seat 40 which is secured in front by inserting notch 50 into slit 45. Support 30 comprises a retaining area 80 that is shaped and sized to accept a portion of rear outer edge of seat 40 such that when support 20 connects to support 30, seat 40 may be secured thereto. As shown, retaining area 80 is defined by notch 35 formed and neck 36 of back support 30.

Support 30 as provided in FIGS. 1-3 reveals a mirror image at a center longitudinal plane, which plane may be defined along the length of slit 70 formed thereon. It is understood that the embodiment however does not necessarily require such symmetry with regards to functionality as there may only be one retaining area 80 as opposed to two as shown. Turning to FIG. 1, a back 37 may be defined as the portion of component 30 that extends upwards in a direction distal to base of said legs 31 and 32 and distal to an upper surface of the top 40. It is within the scope of the invention that the embodiment which does not include support 30 is that of a backless chair and or table, as shown in FIG. 4.

An embodiment of the invention incudes another assembly for a chair. Said chair comprising a side support panels that connect to a back support and seat. FIG. 5 is an embodiment of the instant invention that comprises a chair 100 and consists of seat 120, back support 130, and two side support panels 140 which may releasably interconnect as shown in FIG. 6, the assembly of which requires no hardware or tools.

As shown, side support 140 comprise notches 150 formed on an inside edge that inserts into corresponding slot 151 formed on back support 130 and slot 152 formed on seat 120. Said inside edge of side support 140 forms an “L” shape that is shown in FIGS. 5-7 whereby the joint of the “L” may measure an angle of about 75-90 degrees measuring from the horizontal to the vertical. It is within the scope of the invention however that the angle may be in the range of about 10-90 degrees, whereby the range of about 10 to about 70 could be considered a recliner, in which case, seat 120 may comprise optional notch 125 that inserts into corresponding slot 135 formed on back support 130 to secure and or reinforce seat thereto. Disposed between notches 150 on inside edge of side support 140 is slit 145 which secures corner 146 of back support 130. As shown, bottom edge 141 of side support 140 is rounded allowing chair 100 to teeter or rock. It is within the scope of the invention that the bottom edge may be flat thereby providing a stable chair.

An embodiment of the invention incudes assembly for a table 200 which comprises two supports 220, 230 and a top 210. The supports 220, 230 may releseably interconnect by corresponding means that provides for a stable unit when connected that is capable of supporting a top 210. Connecting means disposed about at least one support is shaped and designed to engage with the top so that the table top is retained thereto.

As shown in FIG. 8 a table 200 that consists of top 210 and interconnecting supports 220, 230 that comprise opposing slits 225, 235 respectively. As shown, slits 225, 235 are arranged so that the connection of said reveals an “x” or cross-like structure as a result of slit 225 formed about the center of the upper edge of 220 and slit 235 formed about the center of a lower edge of 235. It is understood that the location of the slits may be anywhere along the respective edges so that the base of legs 221, 222 and 231, 232 are in stable contact with a floor surface and provide for a stable upper surface to support a top. Furthermore, it is within the scope of the invention that the base of legs be limited to three with particular reference made to the embodiment as disclosed in FIG. 4.

Disposed along the upper edge of interconnecting supports 220, 230 are a series of notches 250 which correspond to radial slots 260 and center slot 261 formed on top 210. It should be understood that the placement of notches along the upper edge of interconnecting supports 220, 230 may not be restricted to amount or location as shown in FIG. 7, provided however that there is at least one notch extending from at least one interconnecting support that corresponds to at least one slot formed in said top 210. The geometry of notches 250 is disclosed as being squared, however any geometry may be acceptable.

Circles 290 are included on interconnecting supports 220, 230 may allow the components to be hung when stored away and may not only be aesthetically pleasing but also provide for the furniture to have less material, and therefore less weight, as well as providing hand grips to move and or transport. FIG. 10 is an embodiment of the instant invention that comprises another table 300 that consists of top 310 and a first set of interconnecting supports 320, 330 that comprise opposing slits 325, 335 respectively. Disposed along the upper edge of interconnecting supports 320, 330 are a series of notches 350 which correspond to slots 360 formed on top 310. A second set of interconnecting supports 321, 331 comprise mirror images of 320, 330 including series of notches 350 and opposing slits 325, 335 respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, there are two sets of interconnecting supports however, it is within the scope of the invention that at least one set of interconnecting supports be required as the table disclosed in FIGS. 10-11 is essentially the same as the table in FIGS. 4, 8-9 with an additional set of interconnecting supports, to wit, the explanations and descriptions are hereby incorporated. Accordingly, it should be understood that the placement of notches along the upper edge of interconnecting supports 320, 330 may not be restricted to amount or location as shown in FIG. 11, provided however that there is at least one notch extending from at least one set of interconnecting supports that corresponds to a slot formed in said top 210.

FIG. 12 is an embodiment of the instant invention comprising a bed 400 which consists of head board 410 and foot board 420 interconnected by side rail 430. As shown, head board 410 has slot 415 that is shaped and sized to connect with a slit 435 formed about a first end of side rail 430. Foot board 420 has slot 425 that is shaped and sized to connect with a slit 436 formed about a second end of side rail 430. Circles 490 and 450 are included on side rails 430 and foot board 420, respectively, which allows for components to be hung when stored away. The opening 460 formed on head board may be used to hang the component.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions may be made without departing from the invention herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is: 

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular interlocking furniture system that comprises components of furniture which may be prefabricated and sold disassembled in a flat stackable packaging and then assembled at a site forming a chair and table, the modular interlocking furniture system comprising: a first set of support members that includes a first support and a second support, said first support having two legs and means to relesably connect to the second support disposed there between, said second support having at least one leg and corresponding means to releasably connect to the first support disposed distal to said at least one leg, whereby when said supports are connects, said set provides a stable base capable of supporting a top; and a top releaseably attached to said stable base.
 2. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 1 whereby said second support has two legs and means to relesably connect to the first support disposed there between.
 3. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 1 whereby said means to releasably connect the first support and second support comprise corresponding slits that may frictionally engage thereto.
 4. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 1 whereby said first support further comprises means that releaseably connect said first support to said top.
 5. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 4 whereby said means that releaseably connect said first support to said top comprises at least one notch disposed about an upper edge of said first support that is shaped and sized to connect to at least one corresponding first slot formed on underside of said top.
 6. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 1 whereby said second support further comprises means that releaseably connect said second support to said top.
 7. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 6 whereby said means that releaseably connect said second support to said top comprises at least one notch disposed about an upper edge of said second support that is shaped and sized to connect to at least one corresponding first slot formed on underside of said top.
 8. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 1 whereby said second support further comprises a portion that extends in an upwards direction distal to the base of said legs and distal to an upper surface of the top.
 9. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 1 further comprising a second set of support members that includes a first support and a second support, said first support having two legs and means to relesably connect to the second support disposed there between, said second support having at least one leg and corresponding means to releasably connect to the first support disposed distal to said at least one leg, whereby when said supports are connects, said set provides a stable base capable of supporting said top.
 10. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 9 whereby said second support has two legs and means to relesably connect to the first support disposed there between.
 11. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 9 whereby said means to releasably connect the first support and second support comprise corresponding slits that may frictionally engage thereto.
 12. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 9 whereby said first support further comprises means that releaseably connect said first support to said top.
 13. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 12 whereby said means that releaseably connect said first support to said top comprises at least one notch disposed about an upper edge of said first support that is shaped and sized to connect to at least one corresponding second slot formed on underside of said top.
 14. A modular interlocking furniture system that comprises components of furniture which may be prefabricated and sold disassembled in a flat stackable packaging and then assembled at a site forming a chair, the modular interlocking furniture system comprising: a first side support panel that comprises an inner edge and an outer edge, whereby a portion of said outer edge is in contact with a floor surface, a second side support panel that comprises an inner edge and an outer edge, whereby a portion of said outer edge is in contact with a floor surface, a back support panel disposed in between said side support panels, and a a seat disposed in between said side support panels.
 15. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 14 whereby the inside edge of side support panels forms an “L” shape at an angle of about 75-90 degrees whereby the back support panel releasably connects about the inside edge of the upper portion of the “L” and the seat releasably connects about the inside edge of the bottom portion of the “L”.
 16. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 15 whereby at least one notch is disposed about the inside edge of the upper portion of the “L” and at least one notch is disposed about the inside edge of the bottom portion of the “L” such that the notch may connect the side support panels with a corresponding slot formed on an underside of said back support and seat.
 17. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 15 whereby a slit is formed along the plane of the upper portion of the “L” into the bottom portion of the “L” at the joint where the two portions meet, whereby said slit is sized and shaped to accept a portion of said back support panel.
 18. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 14 whereby said seat connects to said back support panel.
 19. The modular interlocking furniture system according to claim 14 whereby said outer edge is rounded such that assembled chair may rock or teeter.
 20. A modular interlocking furniture system that comprises components of furniture which may be prefabricated and sold disassembled in a flat stackable packaging and then assembled at a site forming a bed frame, the modular interlocking furniture system comprising: a set of rails, a head board, and a foot board. 